Marie Struthers [Amnesty International]: "The Russian authorities seem to believe that they can address topical societal issues by shutting down any public debate about them"

“The extortionate fine imposed on 7x7 is ridiculous. This is an act of censorship and a blatant violation of freedom of expression that must be reversed immediately.  The Russian authorities seem to believe that they can address topical societal issues by shutting down any public debate about them – on this occasion, by using draconian laws to persecute an independent media outlet. The government has already banned public discussion of various topics, such as LGBTI rights, and has labelled peaceful political dissent as ‘extremism’. The fine against 7x7 is, without doubt, a message to all Russian media that there will be severe consequences for discussing subjects of public interest that are uncomfortable for the government.” - Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Source: 'Russia: Extortionate fine for airing drug legalization interview a repressive act of censorship,' Amnesty International, 21 June 2018